Transit Operator

Helena, City of•Capital Transit - Helena, MT

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Transit Operator & Dispatcher role is a dynamic, dual-impact position that plays a vital role in keeping the city moving safely and efficiently. This role involves both driving a transit bus and providing administrative, financial, and secretarial support for transit functions. The ideal candidate is a safety-minded multitasker who thrives on variety and wants to be the face and voice of the public transit system.

Requirements

Valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) with passenger endorsement.
Completed High School or equivalent.
Acceptable driving record at the time of hire.
Must obtain a State of Montana (CDL) with passenger endorsement.
Must obtain a DOT Medical Examiners Certificate prior to starting the position and retain for duration of employment.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Principles and practices used in dealing professionally with the public.
Procedures to properly secure wheelchairs into vehicles.
Local geography, streets, points of interest and locations of City offices.
Operate office equipment, 2-way radios, computers/tablets and applicable software programs.
Record keeping, prepare reports and basic math for fare collection.
Federal and State regulations pertaining to CDL with Passenger endorsement.
Operate and/or utilize all standard safety equipment installed in transit passenger vehicles, including safety harnesses, restraints, and any other equipment required by federal, state, or local regulations.
Conduct and document pre and post trip inspections.
Read and understand maps and schedules.
Read, understand, and follow rules and regulations, vehicle operating procedures, vehicle laws, and written and oral instructions.
Maintain effective working relationships and deal courteously and effectively with the public, fellow employees, and supervisors.
Be able to work without immediate supervision in the field after completion of the initial training period.
Operate a wheelchair ramp or lift and assist passengers with disabilities.
Be punctual and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
Be available to work a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, working split shifts, and a reasonable amount of overtime.
Perform all functions in the safest possible manner and according to policies and procedures.
Participate fully with safety trainings.
Report unsafe work conditions and practices, work-related injuries, illnesses, and near-misses as soon as possible to assigned supervisor.

Nice To Haves

One year of dispatching/scheduling experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Navigate city traffic safely while adhering to all traffic laws and local policies.
Assist passengers with disabilities and collect fares with a customer-first attitude.
Monitor weather, road conditions, and passenger safety in real time.
Provide administrative, financial, and organizational support for transit functions.
Adapt flexibly to shift between driving, dispatching, or administrative duties as needed.
Perform pre-trip and post-trip operational inspections and report mechanical repair items.
Report passenger emergencies or incidents affecting safety.
Complete all required documentation for all situations.
Safely and efficiently operate transit vehicles and their appurtenances, including fare boxes, wheelchair lifts, radio, and emergency equipment.
Assure the cleanliness of the interior and seating area.
Comply with all cities, state, and federal traffic rules, regulations, laws, and procedures for the safe operation of a transit bus.
Assist persons with disabilities onto and off the wheelchair lift, operate lift/ramp, and secure wheelchairs as required.
Actively participate in the reporting of safety issues and concerns.
Participate in staff development and in-service training programs.
Attend scheduled safety meetings and safety programs.
Provide information to passengers regarding routes, schedules, transfers, and fares.
Assure passengers pay fare, deduct from bus pass or online account before providing trip and monitor Fare boxes.
Effectively utilize electronic devices provided to manage manifests, and other information, to follow routes and meet time points.
Coordinate detour, accident, and incident information to radio dispatch, and respond to instructions given.
File necessary reports in case of an accident or incident with assigned vehicle or an injury to passengers.
Submit verbal and written reports on accidents or incidents required before the end of the day of the accident or incident.
Serve as a dispatcher for the City’s public transit system utilizing a computerized scheduling system.
Ensure all services are on time.
Inform Transit Manager or Transit Coordinator of accidents and forward customer complaints.
Interact with the public to schedule ride requests, sell bus passes, answer questions, record complaints, and share information.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of demand response services and any changes.
Answer the phone and respond to customers in a professional manner with accurate information.
Use independent judgment and personal initiative when performing as a dispatcher.
Coordinate with law enforcement as necessary to have passengers removed.
Support management in the implementation and continuous improvement of the transit system and related activities.
Document and investigate safety issues or concerns directly observed or reported by transit staff or the public.
Conduct and document a preliminary review of reported safety issues or concerns.
Perform manual labor as needed to ensure trash and other debris is cleared from the transit facility, mow grass, shovel snow, trim bushes, pull weeds located on and immediately adjacent to the transit facility property.